Pinckney has approved language for a public safety millage, but officials are continuing to explore possible 24/7 coverage through a partnership with Putnam Township.
Pinckney Village Council authorized language for a police funding proposal July 27, to appear on the ballot in November. All members voted yes, with the exception of Village President Jeffrey Buerman and Trustee Nick Kane.
The three-year millage, if approved, would generate roughly $248,000 in 2027. The original proposal called for 2 mills over five years, from 2027 to 2032.
During the meeting, Buerman suggested increasing the amount to 8 mills, which he said would be necessary to provide coverage 24/7. Police Chief Jeffrey Garrison said he doesn’t believe voters would approve 4 mills, much less 8 mills. He said 2.5 mills may have a chance of passing and would generate roughly half of his department’s current budget.
The vote followed a decision June 22 to allocate $500,000 for Pinckney Police in Fiscal Year 2026-27 — well below the $793,000 originally requested by Garrison.
“At the end of the day, a millage is up to the people and … they’re the ones that have to make that decision,” said Trustee Jo Self. “I think it’s fair to put the millage on (the ballot) and leave it up to the people. It’s their money.”
In a letter previously shared with The Daily, Buerman requested a joint meeting with the Putnam Township Board of Trustees to discuss forming a partnership for full-time police coverage. During the meeting July 27, Buerman said he’s waiting to confirm a joint meeting for Aug. 26.
The meeting, he said, would include two board members from each municipality and a resident.
“This joint venture we’re looking at is long term,” he said.
Garrison previously said Putnam Township wasn’t interested because it already contracts with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. Putnam Township Supervisor Tom Chambers told The Daily the joint meeting still needs to be formally approved and he won’t be in attendance.
Chambers added there’s some hesitancy when it comes to partnering with Pinckney because of the existing contract with LCSO. He said he doesn’t receive resident complaints regarding current police coverage.
Putnam Township might, he said, be interested in entertaining a hybrid model, where police in Pinckney can respond to calls outside of coverage hours in Putnam Township and vice-versa — but nothing has been decided.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Putnam Township hesitant about police partnership with Pinckney
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily | USA TODAY Network
